Retro 1920s and 1930s Fashion

retro 1920s and 1930s fashion

These two decades were a golden era for fashion, each with its own unique flair and style.

From the liberated flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties to the sophisticated elegance of the Thirties, let’s take a delightful stroll down memory lane and explore what made these eras so iconic in the world of fashion.

The Roaring Twenties: A Fashion Revolution

Retro 1920s Fashion Retro 1920s Outfits

The 1920s were all about breaking free from tradition. After the Great War, people were ready to celebrate life, and fashion was no exception. The era saw the rise of the “flapper” – a term used to describe young women who defied conventional norms and embraced a more carefree lifestyle.

Key Elements of 1920s Fashion

  1. Flapper Dresses: The quintessential flapper dress was knee-length with a drop waist, often adorned with fringe, sequins, and beads. These dresses were designed for movement, perfect for dancing the Charleston all night long.
  2. Headpieces: Whether it was a beaded headband, a feathered fascinator, or a jeweled tiara, headpieces were a staple. They added that extra touch of glamour and were often paired with short, bobbed hairstyles.
  3. Jewelry: Long strands of pearls, layered necklaces, and Art Deco-inspired earrings were all the rage. The more opulent, the better!
  4. Footwear: T-strap heels and Mary Janes in metallic or patent leather were popular choices. They were stylish yet comfortable enough to keep up with the energetic dances of the time.
  5. Makeup: Bold red lips, smoky eyes, and a pale complexion defined the makeup look of the 1920s. Women embraced makeup like never before, with brands like Maybelline and Max Factor becoming household names.
  6. Outerwear: For those cooler evenings, a feather boa or a lightweight shawl was the perfect accessory to complete the look.

The 1920s were about fun, freedom, and a bit of rebellion. Fashion was a way to express newfound independence and a break from the rigid norms of the past.

Outfit Examples

1.

Dress

  • Flapper Dress: A knee-length, drop-waist dress adorned with fringe, sequins, or beadwork. Look for sleeveless or short-sleeved styles with a straight, loose fit.

Accessories

  • Headband: A decorative headband or headpiece with feathers or jewels.
  • Jewelry: Long strands of pearls, layered necklaces, and Art Deco-inspired bracelets.
  • Gloves: Optional, short gloves or elbow-length gloves for a more formal look.
  • Clutch: A small, beaded or embellished clutch purse.

Shoes

  • Mary Janes or T-Strap Heels: Low-heeled shoes with straps, often in metallic or patent leather.
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Outerwear

  • Feather Boa or Shawl: A feather boa or a lightweight shawl for added flair.

Hair and Makeup

  • Hair: A short bob or finger waves, often styled with a headband.
  • Makeup: Bold red lips, smoky eyes, and a pale, matte complexion.

Example Outfit

  • Dress: A black flapper dress with silver sequins and fringe at the hem, featuring a drop waist and sleeveless design.
  • Headband: A silver headband adorned with feathers and rhinestones.
  • Jewelry: Long strands of pearls and an Art Deco bracelet.
  • Gloves: Black elbow-length gloves for an elegant touch.
  • Clutch: A small, silver beaded clutch.
  • Shoes: Black T-strap heels with a slight shimmer.
  • Outerwear: A black feather boa for added drama.
  • Hair: Short bob styled with finger waves and a decorative headband.
  • Makeup: Bold red lips, smoky eyes, and a pale matte complexion.

2.

Dress

  • Evening Gown: A floor-length, straight-cut gown made of silk or velvet, featuring intricate beadwork or sequins, with a V-neckline and thin spaghetti straps.

Accessories

  • Headpiece: A beaded headband with a feather or jeweled brooch.
  • Jewelry: Dangling earrings, layered long necklaces, and an Art Deco bracelet.
  • Gloves: Long, satin elbow-length gloves.
  • Clutch: An elegant, beaded or sequined clutch purse.

Shoes

  • T-Strap Heels or Pumps: Elegant heels with a strap, often in metallic or patent leather.

Outerwear

  • Faux Fur Stole or Cape: A luxurious faux fur stole or cape for added elegance.

Hair and Makeup

  • Hair: Soft finger waves or a sleek bob, often adorned with a decorative headband.
  • Makeup: Dark red lips, dramatic eyeliner, and a pale, matte complexion.

Example Outfit

  • Dress: A deep blue, floor-length silk evening gown with intricate silver beadwork, a V-neckline, and thin spaghetti straps.
  • Headpiece: A silver beaded headband with a feather and a jeweled brooch.
  • Jewelry: Dangling Art Deco earrings, layered long necklaces, and a matching bracelet.
  • Gloves: Long, silver satin elbow-length gloves.
  • Clutch: A small, silver sequined clutch.
  • Shoes: Silver T-strap heels.
  • Outerwear: A white faux fur stole draped over her shoulders.
  • Hair: Soft finger waves with a decorative headband.
  • Makeup: Dark red lips, dramatic eyeliner, and a pale matte complexion.

The Elegant Thirties: A Shift to Sophistication

Retro 1930s Fashion Retro 1930s Outfits

As the 1920s gave way to the 1930s, the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties was tempered by the Great Depression. This shift brought about a change in fashion – a move towards more understated elegance and sophistication.

Key Elements of 1930s Fashion

  1. Evening Gowns: The 1930s were known for their glamorous evening gowns. These were often floor-length, bias-cut creations made of silk or velvet, featuring intricate beadwork or sequins. The silhouette was more fitted and emphasized a woman’s natural curves.
  2. Day Dresses: For daywear, women wore tailored dresses with defined waists and modest hemlines. Tea dresses with floral prints, puffed sleeves, and belted waists were popular for a more casual yet refined look.
  3. Headpieces: Cloche hats from the 1920s evolved into more sophisticated styles, often adorned with ribbons, feathers, or brooches. For evening events, jeweled hairpins and decorative combs were favored.
  4. Jewelry: While still embracing Art Deco designs, the jewelry of the 1930s became more delicate. Drop earrings, simple bracelets, and understated necklaces were common.
  5. Footwear: Elegant peep-toe heels and pumps became the go-to footwear. These were often in classic colors like black, navy, and beige, sometimes with a bit of shimmer.
  6. Outerwear: Luxurious faux fur stoles, capes, and tailored blazers with padded shoulders were essential for completing an outfit, especially for evening events.
  7. Makeup: Makeup in the 1930s was more subdued compared to the bold looks of the 1920s. Dark red lips remained popular, but eye makeup became softer, with subtle eyeliner and a natural, slightly rosy complexion.
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The fashion of the 1930s was about elegance, sophistication, and a return to classic femininity. It reflected the resilience of the time, showcasing how style can adapt and thrive even in challenging periods.

Outfit Examples

1.

Dress

  • Tea Dress: A tea-length dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. Look for dresses with details like puffed sleeves, a belted waist, and patterns such as polka dots, floral prints, or geometric designs.

Accessories

  • Hat: A cloche hat or a wide-brimmed hat with embellishments like ribbons or flowers.
  • Gloves: Short gloves, often in a color that complements the dress.
  • Stockings: Silk or nylon stockings with seams up the back for an authentic touch.
  • Jewelry: Pearls or delicate, Art Deco-inspired pieces. Long strands of pearls or simple brooches work well.

Shoes

  • Mary Janes or T-Strap Heels: Closed-toe shoes with a moderate heel, often with a strap across the top of the foot.

Outerwear

  • Fur Stole or Cape: For cooler weather, add a fur stole, a cape, or a fitted blazer with padded shoulders.

Hair and Makeup

  • Hair: Soft waves or finger waves, often styled into a bob or pinned up.
  • Makeup: Classic red lipstick, subtle eyeliner, and a natural, slightly rosy complexion.

Example Outfit

  • Dress: A navy blue tea dress with white polka dots, puffed sleeves, and a belted waist.
  • Hat: A white cloche hat with a navy ribbon.
  • Gloves: White short gloves.
  • Stockings: Beige stockings with a seam up the back.
  • Shoes: Navy T-strap heels.
  • Jewelry: A long strand of pearls and a small pearl brooch.
  • Outerwear: A white fur stole for a touch of elegance.
  • Hair: Soft finger waves pinned into a bob.
  • Makeup: Classic red lipstick and a natural rosy blush.
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2.

Dress

  • Evening Gown: A floor-length, bias-cut gown made of satin or silk, featuring a halter neckline and an open back. Look for details such as ruching or beading for added elegance.

Accessories

  • Headpiece: A jeweled hairpin or a decorative comb.
  • Gloves: Long, elbow-length gloves made of satin or silk.
  • Jewelry: Art Deco-inspired jewelry, such as drop earrings and a delicate bracelet.

Shoes

  • Peep-Toe Heels: Elegant peep-toe heels with a modest heel height.

Outerwear

  • Feathered Cape or Shawl: A feathered cape or a luxurious shawl to drape over the shoulders.

Hair and Makeup

  • Hair: Soft, side-swept waves or a glamorous updo.
  • Makeup: Smoky eyes, dark red lipstick, and a flawless, slightly matte complexion.

Example Outfit

  • Dress: A deep emerald green satin evening gown with a halter neckline, open back, and subtle beading along the bodice.
  • Headpiece: A jeweled hairpin securing a side-swept wave.
  • Gloves: Long, black satin gloves.
  • Jewelry: Art Deco drop earrings with emerald accents and a delicate matching bracelet.
  • Shoes: Black peep-toe heels with a slight shimmer.
  • Outerwear: A black feathered cape for added drama.
  • Hair: Soft, side-swept waves with a touch of glamour.
  • Makeup: Smoky eyes, dark red lipstick, and a flawless matte complexion.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to the rebellious spirit of the 1920s or the refined elegance of the 1930s, there’s no denying the lasting impact these decades have had on fashion. Both eras brought unique styles and trends that continue to inspire modern fashion designers and enthusiasts alike.

So, next time you’re looking for some vintage inspiration, remember the bold flapper dresses and the glamorous evening gowns that defined these iconic decades.

Author

  • gloria

    Gloria is a top-performing fashion designer with more than eight years of experience in developing fashion concepts.

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